Nicosia and Paphos to compete for European Capital of Culture 2017 title

28th Dec 2011

The selection panel appointed to assess the cities applying to be European Capital of Culture in 2017 has recommended that Nicosia and Paphos are pre-selected as the Cypriot contenders for the 2017 title.

The panel’s decision was announced in Cyprus today by Androulla Vassiliou, the European commissioner for education, culture, multilingualism and youth.

The pre-selected cities will now flesh out and complete their applications by next summer for the second and final selection round.
Vassiliou said: “I am delighted with the enthusiasm generated in Cyprus for the European Capital of Culture title and the hard work by the cities in preparing their bids.

“I congratulate Nicosia and Paphos for succeeding in getting through to the next round.
“The European Capital of Culture will provide an excellent opportunity to increase their cultural, socio-economic and tourist development.

“Among the keys to success in the final selection round are the European dimension of the programme, the active involvement of the public and a clear idea of the long-term cultural and social benefits the city wishes to achieve.”

In accordance with the decision of the European Parliament and Council of Ministers which sets the criteria for the European Capital of Culture event Cyprus and Denmark are the two member states entitled to host a European Capital of Culture for 2017.
Cyprus invited applications from interested cities at the end of 2010. Three cities applied: Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos.

The selection panel meeting in Denmark took place on November 25th, with the panel recommending Aarhus and Sønderborg be pre-selected for the title.